Stars of Blackpool's NHS shine at awards night

The Gazette's deputy editor Andy Sykes, hospital trust chairman Ian Johnson, Patients' Award winner Jawad Islam, and the hospital's interim chief executive Wendy Swift

This year’s event broke all records with more than 450 entries including 150 in The Gazette’s Patients’ Award category which sees people who have received treatment nominate both clinical and non-clinical staff.

The event had an Olympic theme of ‘Going for Gold’ and the finalists truly shone.

Funded entirely by generous sponsors, the ceremony was held in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Friday, November 25, and included staff from across the Fylde coast and North Lancashire.

Wendy Swift, chief executive (interim) of the Trust, said: “Our Celebrating Success Awards recognise the exceptional work that is carried out by our staff.

“We are privileged to have these highly committed members of staff who strive for excellence and are constantly working to provide the best care possible for our patients.”

Chairman of the Trust, Ian Johnson, added: “This year’s winners demonstrate the breadth of talent within our Trust. I wish to congratulate all of our finalists for their dedication to patient care and for constantly striving to improve the services we provide.”

Voted for by the public, the highly coveted Gazette’s Patients’ Award was won by Mr Jawad Islam, a Consultant Urologist for the Trust.

The wife of a patient with major health complications praised Mr Islam for his honesty and for instilling confidence in all concerned. She was particularly impressed when Mr Islam visited her husband while on annual leave. Another patient described Mr Islam as understanding, approachable and calm. His care for the whole family was greatly appreciated.

The runners-up in this category were Ward 7 (now part of Ward 15B) and the District Nursing Team, Lytham.